CCTV (Closed Circuit Television)

Since 2006 Lichfield District Council and Three Spires  Shopping Centre have joined together to provide a CCTV system with a total of 129 cameras which are all overt, that is they are visible and signed to the public, and are monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

The purpose of the CCTV system is to make the district a safer and more welcoming place at any time of the day or night, allowing residents and visitors, regardless of age, gender or race, the opportunity to live their lives fully and without fear.

View our CCTV codes of practice.

See our CCTV annual report for 2020 - 2021.

What is Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)?

CCTV is a television system which operates on a closed loop basis. Unlike broadcast television, which is available to anyone with a suitable receiver, CCTV pictures are only available to those directly connected to the loop, which in Lichfield District’s case, is the monitoring control room based in the Three Spires Management suite.

Who is able to see the images?

The images are continually monitored by fully trained operatives, 24hours a day/365 days a year. Staffordshire Police are also able to view the images.

Who has access to the control room?

Access to the control room is strictly restricted to the police, dedicated maintenance contractor, CCTV Manager and operators. These restrictions are necessary to protect the integrity of the evidence that is recorded on a daily basis. Operational procedures and a Code of Practice based on Home Office guidelines strictly control the CCTV system’s operation. Every aspect of running the system is covered including for example where the cameras should or should not be looking.

How are the Police alerted to an incident?

Lichfield District Police are alerted to an incident via the Police radio in the CCTV Control Room which enables them to speak on a one-to-one basis similar to a mobile phone. The operators also have a StoreNet radio that enables them to send and receive messages from local shops, pubs and restaurants which can be used for example to locate a missing child.

How long are recordings kept?

Unless recordings are required by the police to help with their investigations, CCTV recordings are kept for 28 days after which they are destroyed without viewing.

What do I do if I want to access a CCTV image?

If you have been a victim of crime you need to report it to the police and ask them to review any relevant CCTV recording.